Tamil NaduMonday, 22 June 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Madras High Court suo motu case on stray dogs: Supreme Court ABC framework and 2025 TN bite data
The Madras High Court took up a suo motu PIL in June 2026 to ensure implementation of Supreme Court orders on stray dogs in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On June 22, 2026, the Madras High Court took up a suo motu PIL to ensure strict implementation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry of the Supreme Court’s orders on stray dogs, with Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan hearing the matter.
Key specifics
- The Supreme Court cited 2.63 lakh dog bites and 17 deaths in Tamil Nadu in the first four months of 2026.
- In 2025, Tamil Nadu reported 6.25 lakh dog bite cases and 34 deaths.
- The Animal Birth Control (ABC) framework was formulated in 2001.
- The Supreme Court’s SOP dated November 27, 2025 expanded “institutional premises” to include religious places, parks, tourist sites and recreational areas.
- The High Court arrayed the Chief Secretaries and the Animal Husbandry, Health and Municipal Administration departments of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as respondents.
Exam lens
Question type: judiciary and governance, suo motu PIL, ABC framework 2001, SOP November 27, 2025, 2.63 lakh bites, 6.25 lakh bites; TNPSC may ask how High Courts respond to Supreme Court directions on public safety.